From forgetting to moisturise to going to sleep with your makeup on, we’re aware of the little habits that are bad for our skin.
But here are ten more behaviours you may want to drop for younger looking and healthier skin.
1. Too much moisturiser
The more the better, right? Not so. You could be doing more harm than not applying it all. If a moisturiser is correctly suited to your skin, it should feel comfortable; the wrong one could leave your skin dry or greasy. And avoid applying your skin moisturiser around your eyes, as the skin is thinner here.
2. Over-exfoliating
Over-exfoliation can lead to redness and irritation and constantly stripping your skin can actually make it become greasy as it over compensates for the lack of oil. Try a non-abrasive scrub, which use fruit acids to exfoliate.
3. Rushing serum application
When using an anti-ageing serum, it’s important to let it sink in and dry before applying your moisturiser – otherwise you dilute the concentrated anti-ageing formula with your moisturiser in one fell swoop.
4. Squeezing spots
Don’t squeeze that blackhead! Not only can you cause the spot to become infected but you could make it leave a scar if you’re not careful
5. Not wearing SPF
The sun is the biggest cause of wrinkles and you should wear SPF come rain or shine. Many moisturisers and even make-up contain SPFs to protect your skin.
6. Slapping on creams
Do a bit of a slap-dash when it comes to applying your creams? Stop. Vigorous rubbing can age the skin; instead, apply from the neck up using semi-firm upward movements, so you’re working against gravity. Drag downwards and you’re literally ageing yourself every morning.
7. Skimping on sleep
Easier said than done, but it’s called ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason. Skin repairs itself at night so if you’re regularly sleep-deprived, your complexion will give the game away. See our top ten tips for a better night’s sleep here.
8. Using anti-ageing products prematurely
Step away from the anti-ageing products until you actually show signs of ageing. If you use potent anti-ageing products before you need them, your skin can become fragile and thin or immune to their powers.
9. Touching your face
Whenever you touch your face, you are transferring whatever is on your hands, such as oil and everyday grime, onto your skin, causing blemishes and exacerbating existing breakouts. Try to avoid touching your face.
10. Not drinking enough water
We know the many benefits of drinking water but still one-in-five women drinks less than the recommended daily intake of water. Skin is an organ, and just like any other part of the body - your skin is made up of cells. And skin cells, like any other cell in the body, are made up of water. Without water, the organs will certainly not function properly or at their best. So keep up the H2O!